// ARTICLE
Can we cure Sick Building Syndrome?
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and eco-friendly design, the buildings around us are no longer mere structures of concrete and steel. A shiſt is occurring in construction that’s poised to change the way we live and interact with our environment. New materials like bioreceptive concrete and living walls are transforming the urban landscape, turning our buildings into living entities that breathe and grow. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these innovations may hold the key to solving a troubling issue that affects millions: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). MMC Magazine Editor Joe Bradbury investigates:
Understanding Sick Building Syndrome
Sick Building Syndrome is a condition where occupants experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating, seemingly tied to the time they spend inside a building. This syndrome, oſten found in office environments but not limited to them, can make being indoors uncomfortable and unhealthy. The causes of SBS are diverse, but they commonly include poor air quality, inadequate ventilation, toxic building materials, and the presence of mould or bacteria in damp, poorly maintained spaces.
As our cities expand and our lives become more centred on artificial environments, SBS has become increasingly prevalent. Solutions like better ventilation systems can help, but a more radical approach may lie in rethinking the very materials used in construction.
Bioreceptive concrete: a living material
Enter bioreceptive concrete—a cutting-edge material designed to foster the growth of mosses, lichens, and other microorganisms on its surface. Unlike traditional concrete, which is created to resist nature’s elements, bioreceptive concrete embraces them. By allowing microorganisms to grow, this material could play a crucial role in improving the health of indoor environments.
Developed by architects and researchers, bioreceptive concrete features a textured and porous surface that supports life. These living organisms act as natural air purifiers, removing pollutants from the surrounding environment and improving air quality. This not only enhances the exterior look of buildings but also directly contributes to healthier spaces for people to inhabit.
28 Autumn 2024 M33 Combating SBS with green surfaces
The microorganisms that grow on bioreceptive concrete might also be useful in reducing the symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome. Introducing green surfaces to urban environments has been shown to improve mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and even physical symptoms like headaches. The idea is simple: exposure to nature is beneficial, and incorporating it into the buildings we live and work in can help create healthier, more supportive environments.
In addition to their mental health benefits, mosses and lichens absorb excess moisture, which can help prevent the damp conditions that oſten lead to mould growth. Mould is a known trigger for many SBS symptoms, so by introducing bioreceptive concrete, we may be able to reduce one of the primary causes of poor indoor air quality.
Living walls: vertical gardens for healthier cities
Another powerful tool in the fight against SBS is the living wall—vertical gardens that can be installed on both the interior and exterior of buildings. These green walls are made up of panels of plants grown vertically on a framework, bringing nature directly into urban spaces. Similar to bioreceptive concrete, living walls act as natural air purifiers, filtering out pollutants and releasing oxygen.
Indoor living walls, in particular, can significantly improve air quality, a critical factor in reducing the symptoms of SBS. Not only do these walls filter harmful toxins from the air, but they also increase humidity, offsetting the dryness oſten caused by heating and air conditioning systems. This can alleviate common SBS symptoms like dry coughs and skin irritation. Moreover, the beauty and presence of greenery can improve mood and productivity; creating workspaces that help reduce stress and boost focus.
Healing our cities, healing ourselves
The integration of bioreceptive concrete and living walls into urban design marks a shiſt toward creating buildings that support the health of their occupants. Beyond curing Sick Building Syndrome, these innovations have the potential to address larger environmental challenges. Cities around the world are grappling with pollution and rising temperatures, and by incorporating biophilic materials, architects can help combat these issues. Plants naturally cool the air and reduce the urban heat island effect, while also filtering out harmful particles from polluted city air.
More broadly, these innovations are part of a movement to reconnect urban spaces with nature. Modern cities oſten feel cold and disconnected from the natural world, which has been linked to increased stress and physical health problems. By designing buildings that invite nature in, we create environments that can heal rather than harm.
In summary
As bioreceptive materials and living walls evolve, the possibilities for creating healthier, more sustainable buildings grow. Imagine cities where every structure is covered in greenery, contributing to both environmental sustainability and human well-being. While the widespread adoption of these materials is still in its early stages, the momentum is building. As we learn more about the connections between our environment and our health, the demand for healthier, more responsive buildings will only increase.
In the not-so-distant future, we may live in cities where buildings don’t just provide shelter—they help us heal.
images from
freepik.com
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